US sends Navy ships towards N Korea

A US Navy strike group will be moving toward the western Pacific Ocean near the Korean peninsula, as concerns grow about North Korea's advancing weapons program, a US official has told Reuters.

Earlier this month North Korea tested a liquid-fuelled Scud missile which only travelled a fraction of its range.

The strike group, called Carl Vinson, includes an aircraft carrier and will make its way from Singapore toward the Korean peninsula, according to the official, who was not authorised to speak to the media and requested anonymity.

"We feel the increased presence is necessary," the official said on Saturday, citing North Korea's worrisome behaviour.

This year North Korean officials, including leader Kim Jong-un, have repeatedly indicated an intercontinental ballistic missile test or something similar could be coming, possibly as soon as April 15, the 105th birthday of North Korea's founding president and celebrated annually as "the Day of the Sun".

Earlier this week US President Donald Trump and Chinese President Xi Jinping met in Florida, where Mr Trump pressed his counterpart to do more to curb North Korea's nuclear program.

Mr Trump's national security aides have completed a review of US options to try to curb North Korea's nuclear and missile programs. These include economic and military measures but lean more toward sanctions and increased pressure on Beijing to rein in its reclusive neighbour.

Although the option of pre-emptive military strikes on North Korea is not off the table, the review prioritises less-risky steps and de-emphasises direct military action.